SAFETY
DAILY PILE CROPPER MAINTENANCE
In order to ensure the pile cropper continues to function correctly and safely, it is imperative that daily inspections and maintenance are conducted prior to use.
Each cropper type will be delivered with a method statement giving details of correct use.
Daily checks as follows:
- Ensure lifting chains/frames are correctly connected to cropper and inspection date is valid.
- Check hydraulic hose integrity and ensure connections are leak free.
- Check Kevlar hose shrouds are in good condition.
- Inspect the cutting face of the jaws – check that wear is not excessive, if unsure, please contact APC to discuss
- Re-grease moving parts using the identified grease points.
- Test cropper on an excavator.
Australian Pile Croppers are committed to your safety. All pile croppers are delivered with fully certified lifting equipment . A copy of the ‘life’ certificate for the chains can be obtained on request from jim@australianpilecroppers.com.au
It is your responsibility to check chain certification date is valid and notify of pending re-inspection requirement. We will then arrange re-inspection as required.
It is also your responsibility to provide a suitably certified and correctly sized `D` shackle to secure the cropper to your excavator. As a standard we will deliver the cropper to site and hydraulically connect the cropper to the machine via quick release couplings and test the unit on a sample pile to ensure its suitability. Once the hire period is complete we will remove the quick release couplers and return the machine to its original state.
PILE CROPPER HIRE SPECIALISTS AIM TO CONCENTRATE ON PROVIDING YOU WITH A VERY PERSONAL SERVICE.
With our wide range of specialist cropping equipment designed and manufactured in the UK and is now available Australia wide.
USAGE SAFETY
- Always cut piles from the top downwards and not from any other position on the pile.
- We recommend a saw cut (Ringbarking) be etched at finish level to prevent fractures below the required RL.
- Ensure your on site banksman has moved to a safe distance once cropper has been positioned over pile.
- Use a machine capable of carrying the cropper plus excess pile.
Recommended cutting depths *
Single Bar Cropper
150-200 Depth of
Cut (mm)
75 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
Comment: Initial cut to be made below top collar of pile
Dual Cropper
100-1000 Depth of
Cut (mm)
75 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
Comment: Will cut metre lengths including rebar (>T16) on most pile types
Multi Bar Cropper
150-200 Depth of
Cut (mm)
75 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
Comment: Not designed for stripping; check blades and bolts are tight
CFA Cropper
200-300 Depth of
Cut (mm)
75 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
Comment: Install half link for oversized piles – tighten safety plate
Power Cropper
100-250 Depth of
Cut (mm)
75 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
Comment: Not designed for stripping; check blades and bolts are tight
Contig Cropper
100-300 Depth of
Cut (mm)
75 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
Comment: Not designed for stripping; check blades and bolts are tight
Quad Cropper
300 Depth of
Cut (mm)
100 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
Quad L Cropper
300 Depth of
Cut (mm)
100 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
Quad XL Cropper
300 Depth of
Cut (mm)
100 Blinding Cut
Depth (mm)
*These figures are advisory only, should reinforcement break adjust accordingly.
Colour Key:
pre-cast piles
augured bonded piles
augured de-bonded piles
contiguous & secant piles
Do
✔ Ensure operatives have familiarised themselves with the cropper being used
✔ Use a Banksman
✔ Ensure a Banksman and the excavator operator are
fully conversant with standard hand signals
✔ Maintain visual and verbal contact with the
Banksman at all times
✔ Maintain a safe exclusion zone whilst cropping
✔ Keep clear of all moving components
✔ Straighten bent Reinforcement before cropping
✔ Call APC if unsure or for advice
✔ Check all bolts, blades, hydraulic hoses and fittings
for movement and tighten at least twice daily
✔ Load the grease nipples daily
✔ Check the hydraulic connections for leaks before and
during use
✔ Check chains after every operation
✔ Wear adequate PPE
Do Not
x Overload chains or cropper – excess charges may occur
x Cut more pile than advised above
x Stand directly under any elevated croppers
or related equipment
x Use any cropper or its chains for anything
other than their intended use
x Use the hydraulic hoses as a handle
x Disconnect the hydraulics from the
excavator without first releasing the
pressure
x Use the cropper for stripping the piles – excess charges may occur
x Attempt to cut piles from the base up